National Trust on the hunt for Wendys

Janet Thomson

The National Trust for Scotland has invited Wendys from around the world to visit its property in Kirriemuir to sign a special visitors’ book.

The conservation charity, which cares for the childhood home of Peter Pan author Sir JM Barrie, has reinstated a special book for visitors named Wendy.

Those who sign the book in the Brechin Road tourist attraction will receive a certificate featuring a reproduction signature by the author.

John McKenna, property manager, said: “We know that at least 40 years ago there was a tradition here that all Wendys signed a special book.

“This year we have an expanded and refreshed exhibition and so it seemed like the perfect time to reintroduce this custom.”

JM Barrie is widely credited with popularising the name Wendy after its use in Peter Pan. It is said he chose the name because of a nickname he was given by Margaret Henley – the daughter of his friend WE Henley.

First to sign the new book was Kirriemuir woman Wendy Glass.

She said: “Having written about JM Barrie several times over the years, visited Barrie’s birthplace many times, and always loved the story of Peter Pan, it was an honour to be the first Wendy to sign her name in the resurrected Wendy’s Visitor Book.”